Great Neck – Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel is pleased to announce the Assembly passed a measure she supported to increase roadway safety by making the statewide ban on using portable electronic devices (PEDs) while driving a primary offense (A.10063).

Last year, New York created the first step by banning this activity and allowing drivers to be cited for it when they were found to be in violation of a state law (Ch. 403 of 2009).

“While many people rely on PEDs in their daily lives, texting while driving is a serious distraction and it poses a serious threat to everyone’s safety on our roads,” said Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel. “It’s simply too great a risk to allow drivers to fiddle around with electronic gadgets that take their concentration away from the road. This bill will help prevent a host of driver errors, including swerving, lane drifting, and tailgating, which often lead to serious accidents.”